Genghis Khan: Encyclopedia II - Genghis Khan - Uniting the Central Asian confederations

Genghis Khan - Uniting the Central Asian confederations

The main opponent of the Mongols by around c. 1100 were the Naimans to the west, the Merkits to the north and the Tatars to the east. By 1190, Temüjin and his advisors had united together the other steppe people. As an incentive for absolute obedience and following of his code of laws, the Yasa code, he promised civilians and fighters wealth from future possible battle.

Genghis Khan began his slow ascent to power by allying himself with his father's anda (sworn brother or blood brother). Genghis's ally was Toghrul, Khan of the Kerait and better known by the Chinese title Wang Khan which the Jin Empire granted him in 1197. Temüjin was adopted as Wang Khan's heir after successful campaigns against the Tatars (1202) and other various tribes. This led to jealousy on the part of Senggum, Wang's former heir, who planned to assassinate Temüjin. Temüjin learnt of Senggum's intentions, eventually defeated him and his loyalists. Toghrul possibly feared the increasing power of Temüjin among the Mongol populace and adopted an obstinate attitude towards collaboration. One of the ruptures later between Toghrul and Temüjin was the refusal of Toghrul to give his daughter in marriage to Jochi, the eldest son of Temüjin, which signified disrespect in the Mongol culture. This act probably led to the split and the prelude of the war between both factions. Toghrul allied himself with Jamuka, Temüjin's blood brother or anda, and when the confrontation took place, the internal divisions between Toghrul and Jamuka, as well as the desertion of many clans that fought on their side to the cause of Temüjin, led to Toghrul's defeat. This paved the way for the fall and extinction of the Kerait tribe.

The next threat that directly competed with Temüjin was the Naimans, with whom Jamuka and his followers had taken refuge. The Naimans did not surrender, although enough sectors again did voluntarily side with Temüjin. In 1201, a Khuriltai elected Jamuka as Gur Khan, universal ruler, a title used by the rulers of the Kara-Khitan Khanate. Jamuka's assumption of this title was the final breach with Temüjin, and Jamuka formed a coalition of tribes to oppose him. Before the conflict, however, several generals abandoned Jamuka, including the well-known Subutai, Jelme's younger brother, and Qubilai. After several battles, Jamuka was finally captured in 1206 after several shepherds kidnapped him and turned him over to Temüjin.

Temüjin offered his friendship again to Jamuka and asked him to turn to his side. Jamuka refused the generous offer and asked for a noble death, which was granted to him. The rest of the Merkit clan that sided with Naimans were defeated by Subedei, member of the personal guard of Temüjin who would later become one of the greatest commanders in the service of the Khan. The defeat of the Naimans left Genghis Khan as the sole ruler of the Mongol plains.

Genghis Khan - From Temüjin to Genghis Khan

Temüjin managed to unite all the Central Asian confederations under a single system by 1206, using his personal charisma, and strong will. It was a monumental feat for the Mongols, who had a long history of internecine dispute and economic hardship between each other and by dynasties and empires in China. At a Kurultai, a council of Mongol chiefs he was acknowledged as "Khan" of the consolidated tribes and took the title Genghis Khan. The title Khagan was not conferred on Genghis until after his death, when his son and successor, Ögedei took the title for himself and extended it posthumously to his father. Therefore this unification of all confederations by Genghis Khan established peace between previously warring tribes.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Uniting the Central Asian confederations", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki